Development of Models for Fermented Mixed Feed Production for Swine

Purpose: The livestock sector, especially swine, has dominated agriculture in the Republic of Korea from the beginning of the twenty-first century because of the increase in livestock product consumption. Rice cultivation was the major agricultural activity before this period. Feed, being a major component of livestock production, makes up 60–80% of the total breeding cost. With the constant increase in the cost of raw materials, a recorded 50% in the past decade, different approaches for cost-effective breeding are being researched and proposed. This includes utilizing domestic by-products with imported grains. Previous studies have modeled production systems for breeding cattle. However, no study has categorized and modeled systems to produce fermented mixed feed for swine. Method: Comparative analyses were conducted on the processing time per process, equipment operation rate of the unit machines, and delays in the processes. Furthermore, the system efficiencies were examined by measuring the machine capacities and conducting simulations using the ARENA event simulation software. Results: Models to produce fermented total mixed ration (TMR) feed for swine were presented and classified into three models. The models had capacities of 90 tons/day (42,000 head) for commercial factories, 42 tons/day (20,000 head) for common farms, and 11 tons/day (5000 head) for single farms. Conclusion: Three efficient models for producing fermented swine feed were developed for commercial factories, common farms, and single farms.